Gas operator for an electric switch device

ABSTRACT

A simplified gas actuated switch operator is provided which utilizes a convenient source of gas pressure that is obtainable as an off-the-shelf item. The actuator is controlled by valves that are selectively actuated by signals from a remote source.

United States Patent Stunkard 1 1 Nov. 25 1975 GAS OPERATOR FOR ANELECTRIC [56] References Cited SWITCH DEVICE UNITED STATES PATENTS [75]inventor: Norman W. Stunkard, Lake 3,0l4 l36 1/1962 Leimkuhler v. 307/64Oswe 0 Ore 3,761,735 9/1973 Turner et al 1. 307/112 [73] Assgnee: g m xrPrimary ExaminerHerman Hohauser Attorney, Agent, or Firm-R0bert C. Jones[22] Filed: Dec. 4, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 529,348 [571 ABSTRACT Asimplified gas actuated switch operator is provided which utilizes aconvenient source of gas pressure that i g ugi is obtainable as anoff-the-shelf itemv The actuator is Fie'ld H2 H6 controlled by valvesthat are selectively actuated by signals from a remote source.

5 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 GAS OPERATOR FORAN ELECTRIC SWITCH DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION available due topoor efficiency. Other disadvantages l of prior operators are poorreliability due to the many components that are necessary to constructthe operators. Still another disadvantage is the high cost of theoperator due to the many special components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to stored energy poweroperators for operating distribution switches by remote signal duringpower outages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Gas under relatively high pressure foroperating the switch actuating motor is supplied from a portablecylinder or tank and controlled by a regulator so that the system isalways ready. An input signal via telephone line, radio link or localcontrol activates a valve to thereby permit gas under pressure to flowto one side of an actuator piston. Movement of the piston in the onedirection in cooperation with appropriate levers and links effects anopening movement of an air break switch. An interlock effects thedeenergization of the supply valve and connects the pressurized side ofthe cylinder to exhaust to set the system for a switch closingoperation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view with protectivecover broken away to show the internal arrangement of the switchoperator; and,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the control circuit for controlling thevalves associated with the switch operator of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawing, an operatingmeans is disclosed which is particularly well suited for mounting on autility pole 11 or the like. As shown, the operating means 10 issupported by a bracket or frame member 12 that is suitably secured tothe pole 11. In the present instance, the bracket 12 is a U-shapedchannel member to which a housing 14 comprising a vertical extendingback plate 16 is welded or otherwise secured. The plate 16 is providedwith vertical side members 17 and 18 which serve to support a top plate19 and a bottom shelf plate 21. An input lever 23 is mounted on andsecured to the extending end of the drive shaft 24 that is rotatablysupported by a bearing assembly bracket 26. The bearing assembly bracket26 is secured as by bolts to the front surface of the plate 16. Thelever 23 is secured to the extending end of the shaft 24 so as to effectrotation of the shaft whenever the lever 23 is rotated. The shaft 24extends through a suitable opening provided in the plate 16 and engageswith and is secured to a lever 27 in a manner to effect the pivotalmovement of the lever. The free end of the lever 27 has a pivotalconnection with the lower end of a control pipe stud 28 that isadjustably secured and fitted on the lower end of a vertical actuatingrod 29. The upper end of the actuating rod 29 is suitably connected byactuating levers and linkages to a distribution switch for effecting theopening and closing of the contacts thereof. Since the switch to whichthe actuating rod 29 is connected is not a part of the presentinvention. it is deemed unnecessary to describe or show such switch asthese are well known in the art. Operation of the lever 23 for effectingthe vertical movement of the rod 29 in a switch opening or closingoperation is effected by means ofa double-acting cylinder mechanism 31which is suitably secured to the upper plate 19. To this purpose, themechanism 31 is provided with an axially extending lug 32 that haspivotal engagement with a depending lug 33 welded or otherwise securedto the under surface of the plate 19. A piston 36 is supported forreciprocable movement within the cylinder 34. The lower end of thepiston 36 is provided with a rod 37 which extends outwardly of the loweraxial end of the cylinder 34. The extending or outer end of the rod 37is provided with a clevis bracket 38 in which the upper free end 39 ofthe lever 23 is pivotally connected. Thus, downward movement of thepiston 36 will effect the rotational movement of the lever 23 in aclockwise direction, thereby effecting the rotation for lever 27, alsoin a clockwise direction. This movement serves to pull the rod 29downwardly to effect an opening operation of the switch. On the otherhand, with the piston 36 in its lowermost position, pressure fluid tothe rod side of the piston will effect the upward movement of the piston36 thereby effecting the counterclockwise rotation of the lever 23 and asimilar counterclockwise movement of the lever 27 to force the rod 29upwardly, thereby effecting a closing operation of the switch.

Energization of the motor means 31 is accomplished by means of a sourceof pressure 41 which is easily transportable and replaceable. As shown,the source of pressure is a pressure tank 42 containing a suitable fluidunder pressure, preferably a gas. The gas within the cylinder tank 42 isunder a pressure of approximately 2,000 p.s.i., which pressure is higherthan can be readily utilized within the operator 31. Thus, the gas isdistributed from the tank 42 to the cylinder 31 via a cutoff andpressure regulator 43 which may be preset to establish a usable pressureand deliver such pressure to valves 44 and 46. The valves 44 and 46 aresolenoid actuated valves, each of which are connected to be energizedfrom a signal source such as obtained from a telephone circuit or aradio link or local control. As shown, the valves 44 and 46 are securedto brackets 47 and 48, respectively, which, in turn, are secured as bybeing welded to the plate 16. The valve 44 is connected by means of aline 51 to the lower end of the cylinder 34 so as to be able to directgas under pressure from the tank 42 to the rod side of the piston 36therein whenever the solenoid valve is actuated. On the other hand, thesolenoid actuated valve 46 is connected by a line 52 to the upper end ofthe cylinder so as to deliver gas under pressure to the head side of thepiston 36 whenever it is actuated by a signal. The valves 44 and 46 areso constructed that when deenergized they operate to connect the lines5] and 52, respectively, to the atmosphere, thus relieving each side ofthe piston from any pressure thereon. Thus, if it is desired to effectthe operation of the piston 36 for effecting an opening operation of theswitch, the valve 46 will be energized thereby directing gas underpressure to the head end of the piston 36. When the piston 36 has beenmoved downwardly within the cylinder 34, under influence of thepressurized gas, thereby effecting the opening of the switch. thesolenoid of the valve 46 will be deenergized to thereby vent the line 52to atmosphere. In this condition, the mechanism is set for a returnstoke. To operate the switch in a closing operation, it is onlynecessary that the solenoid associated with the valve 44 be energized bya signal obtained from the telephone line. With the solenoid associatedwith the valve 46 energized, gas under pressure will be directed to therod side of piston 36 thereby forcing the piston upwardly within thecylinder 34 to effect the upward movement of the rod 29 thereby closingthe switch. As soon as the switch closing operation has beenaccomplished, the solenoid associated with the valve 46 will bedeenergized so that the line 51 is vented to atmosphere.

As previously mentioned, actuation of the valves 44 and 46 isaccomplished by a signal such as a signal from a telephone circuit. Tothis purpose a control circuit 60 is provided and connected to effectthe selective energization of the solenoids associated with the valves44 and 46. As shown in FIG. 2, a signal from the telephone line pair 62and 63 is transmitted to an amplifying module, such as a McCloud module65.

The electrical input to the circuit 60 is via the pair of telephonelines 62-63. The signal transmitted through these lines is originated bydepressing a switch button (not shown). The signal from the lines 62-63operates to deliver an input voltage of the right polarity to theMcCloud module 65. Assuming that the operator is in the conditiondepicted in FIG. 1 wherein the switch device (not shown) is in closedposition and that it is now desired to effect an opening operation ofthe switch device, a signal via the input lines 62-63 will initiate suchaction. This is true because a switch 70 having its actuating arm 71connected to be moved by linkage 28 is in condition so that associatedcontacts 70A and 70B are in open position, as shown in FIG. 2. With thecontacts 708 open, the solenoid associated with the valve 44 isdeenergized and the valve is biased to its normal position blocking theflow of pressure fluid from the bottle 42 to the chamber on the rod sideof the piston 36. In its normal position, the valve 44 operates to ventthe chamber on the rod side of the piston 36 to atmosphere. Also, withthe actuating arm 71 of the switch 70 in up position, contacts 70C, 70Dand 70E are closed, thereby conditioning the circiut 60 for a subsequentoperation for energizing the solenoid valve 46 to effect an openingoperation of the switch device (not shown)v With this conditionobtained, a signal via the telephone lines 62-63 will, after a timedelay, turn on the gate ofthe SCR 74 in the McCloud module and the SCRconducts. This voltage discharges the capacitor 72 to energize thesolenoid of the valve 46. The valve is now positioned to direct pressurefluid from the tank 42 to the chamber on the head side of the piston 36.Pressure fluid on the head side of the piston will effect operation ofthe actuator 31 to effect operation of the switch device in an openingoperation. The actuating arm 71 of the switch 70 will be moveddownwardly, thereby opening its contacts 70C, 70D and 70B and closingits contacts 70A and 708. Opening of the contacts 706, 70!) and 70E willeffect deenergization of the solenoid associated with the valve 46 andthe 4 valve returns to its normal blocking position and also vents thechamber on the head side of the piston 36 to atmosphere. Thus, with thechamber on the head side of the piston 36 vented and the contacts A and708 closed, the circuit 60 and the operator 10 are both conditioned fora subsequent closing operation.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that an extremely simplebut yet effective operator for actuating the remotely located switch isprovided. The operator can be serviced and manufactured withoff-the-shelf components and the source of pressure may be easilychanged with a commercially available tank of pressurized gas readilyavailable commercially.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as fol lows:

l. A switch operator apparatus for operating a switch device in openingand closing movements;

8. support bracket adapted to be mounted on other structure;

a reversible fluid motor;

mechanical means carried by said bracket connecting said fluid motor tothe switch device;

a source of pressure fluid removably carried on said bracket;

a first solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressurefluid and to one side of said fluid motor, said first valve beingoperable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source tosaid fluid motor to effect its operation in one direction to effect aclosing operation of the switch device;

a second solenoid operated valve connected to said source of pressurefluid and to the second side of said fluid motor, said second valvebeing operable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from saidsource to said fluid motor to effect its operation in a second directionfor effecting an opening operation of the switch device;

an electrical circuit means connected to selectively energize thesolenoids of said first and second valve; and,

means connected to said electrical circuit means, said directive signalsfrom a source and to decode the directive signal received fortransmission to said electrical circuit means for the energization of aselected one of said first and second valves according to the directivesignal received.

2. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a remotely locatedswitch device in opening and closing movements;

a bracket adapted to be mounted on supporting structure;

a shaft rotatably supported by said bracket and having a first end and asecond end, said first end of said shaft extending through said bracket;

a crank secured to the second end of said shaft in a manner to effectrotation of said shaft when said crank is rotated;

pressure actuated drive means carried by said bracket and operativelyconnected to effect rotation of said crank in a selected direction;

a source of pressure fluid removably carried by said bracket;

first valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to saidsource of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said first valve beingoperable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source tosaid drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in afirst direction for rotating said crank in a first direction;

a second valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to saidsource of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said second valvebeing operable when energized to direct pressure fluid from said sourceto said drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in asecond direction for rotation of said crank in a second direction;

a lever secured to the extending first end of said shaft for movementwith said shaft; and

a switch actuating rod connected to said lever and to the switch device;

whereby selective energization of said first and second valves willoperate to effect the movement of said switch actuating rod in aselected direction for effecting the opening and closing of said switchdevice selectively.

3. In a switch operator apparatus for operating a switch device inopening and closing movement s;

a supportive bracket adapted to be mounted on other structures;

a drive shaft journaled in said bracket;

an actuating rod operably connected to be moved axially by said driveshaft to a first position or to a second position, said actuating rodbeing operably connected to the switch device;

a pressure receiving cylinder carried by said brackets;

a piston within said cylinder for axial movement therein;

a piston rod secured to said piston and extending outwardly of saidcylinder;

a connector secured to the extending end of said piston rod;

means connecting said connector to said shaft in a manner that movementof said piston in a first direction will effect rotation of said driveshaft in a first rotational direction to thereby move said actuating rodin a first axial direction for closing the switch device. or movement ofsaid piston in a second direction will effect rotation of said driveshaft in a second rotational direction to thereby move said actuatingrod in a second axial direction for opening the switch device;

a source of pressure fluid comprising a portable tank of fluid underpressure carried by said bracket;

a first solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket andoperatively connected between said tank and a first end of saidcylinder, said first valve being normally operative to block pressurefluid flow from said tank to said first end of said cylinder and to ventsaid first end of said cylinder,

said first valve being operable when its associated solenoid isenergized to direct a flow of pressure fluid from said tank to saidfirst end of said cylinder to thereby effect movement of said piston ina first direction;

a second solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracketand operatively connected between said tank of pressure fluid and asecond end of said cylinder, said second valve being normally operativeto block the flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said second end ofsaid cylinder and to vent said second end of said cylinder, said firstvalve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to directpressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder tothereby effect movement of said piston in a second direction;

whereby said actuating rod may be moved axially in a selected directionfor operating the switch device between open and closed positions by theselective operation of said flow control valves and said source ofpressure fluid may be easily renewed in the field as is necessary,

4. A switch operator apparatus for opening and closing an electricalswitch device comprising a reversible fluid motor;

mechanical linkage operably connecting said fluid an electrical circuitmeans operably connected to effect selective energization of thesolenoids of said first and second valves, said electrical circuit meansbeing connected to receive a selective energizing signal from a source.

A switch operator apparatus according to claim 4 wherein there isprovided a weather housing for enclosing and supporting the switchoperator, said weather housing being adapted to be mounted on supportstructure; and,

said source or pressure fluid being a portable tank containing gas underpressure connected to said valves through a pressure regulator.

1. A switch operator apparatus for operating a switch dEvice in openingand closing movements; a support bracket adapted to be mounted on otherstructure; a reversible fluid motor; mechanical means carried by saidbracket connecting said fluid motor to the switch device; a source ofpressure fluid removably carried on said bracket; a first solenoidoperated valve connected to said source of pressure fluid and to oneside of said fluid motor, said first valve being operable when energizedto direct the pressure fluid from said source to said fluid motor toeffect its operation in one direction to effect a closing operation ofthe switch device; a second solenoid operated valve connected to saidsource of pressure fluid and to the second side of said fluid motor,said second valve being operable when energized to direct the pressurefluid from said source to said fluid motor to effect its operation in asecond direction for effecting an opening operation of the switchdevice; an electrical circuit means connected to selectively energizethe solenoids of said first and second valve; and, means connected tosaid electrical circuit means, said directive signals from a source andto decode the directive signal received for transmission to saidelectrical circuit means for the energization of a selected one of saidfirst and second valves according to the directive signal received. 2.In a switch operator apparatus for operating a remotely located switchdevice in opening and closing movements; a bracket adapted to be mountedon supporting structure; a shaft rotatably supported by said bracket andhaving a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaftextending through said bracket; a crank secured to the second end ofsaid shaft in a manner to effect rotation of said shaft when said crankis rotated; pressure actuated drive means carried by said bracket andoperatively connected to effect rotation of said crank in a selecteddirection; a source of pressure fluid removably carried by said bracket;first valve carried by said bracket and operably connected to saidsource of pressure fluid and to said drive means, said first valve beingoperable when energized to direct the pressure fluid from said source tosaid drive means for effecting the operation of said drive means in afirst direction for rotating said crank in a first direction; a secondvalve carried by said bracket and operably connected to said source ofpressure fluid and to said drive means, said second valve being operablewhen energized to direct pressure fluid from said source to said drivemeans for effecting the operation of said drive means in a seconddirection for rotation of said crank in a second direction; a leversecured to the extending first end of said shaft for movement with saidshaft; and a switch actuating rod connected to said lever and to theswitch device; whereby selective energization of said first and secondvalves will operate to effect the movement of said switch actuating rodin a selected direction for effecting the opening and closing of saidswitch device selectively.
 3. In a switch operator apparatus foroperating a switch device in opening and closing movements; a supportivebracket adapted to be mounted on other structures; a drive shaftjournaled in said bracket; an actuating rod operably connected to bemoved axially by said drive shaft to a first position or to a secondposition, said actuating rod being operably connected to the switchdevice; a pressure receiving cylinder carried by said brackets; a pistonwithin said cylinder for axial movement therein; a piston rod secured tosaid piston and extending outwardly of said cylinder; a connectorsecured to the extending end of said piston rod; means connecting saidconnector to said shaft in a manner that movement of said piston in afirst direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a firstrotational direction to thereby move said actuating Rod in a first axialdirection for closing the switch device, or movement of said piston in asecond direction will effect rotation of said drive shaft in a secondrotational direction to thereby move said actuating rod in a secondaxial direction for opening the switch device; a source of pressurefluid comprising a portable tank of fluid under pressure carried by saidbracket; a first solenoid actuated flow control valve carried by saidbracket and operatively connected between said tank and a first end ofsaid cylinder, said first valve being normally operative to blockpressure fluid flow from said tank to said first end of said cylinderand to vent said first end of said cylinder, said first valve beingoperable when its associated solenoid is energized to direct a flow ofpressure fluid from said tank to said first end of said cylinder tothereby effect movement of said piston in a first direction; a secondsolenoid actuated flow control valve carried by said bracket andoperatively connected between said tank of pressure fluid and a secondend of said cylinder, said second valve being normally operative toblock the flow of pressure fluid from said tank to said second end ofsaid cylinder and to vent said second end of said cylinder, said firstvalve being operable when its associated solenoid is energized to directpressure fluid from said tank to said second end of said cylinder tothereby effect movement of said piston in a second direction; wherebysaid actuating rod may be moved axially in a selected direction foroperating the switch device between open and closed positions by theselective operation of said flow control valves and said source ofpressure fluid may be easily renewed in the field as is necessary.
 4. Aswitch operator apparatus for opening and closing an electrical switchdevice comprising a reversible fluid motor; mechanical linkage operablyconnecting said fluid motor to the switch device; a source of pressurefluid; a first solenoid actuated valve connected to receive pressurefluid from said source and to direct the pressure fluid to one end ofsaid fluid motor, said first valve being normally operable to vent saidone end of said fluid motor to atmosphere; a second solenoid actuatedvalve connected to receive pressure fluid from said source and directsaid pressure fluid to a second end of said fluid motor, said secondvalve being normally operable to vent said second end of said fluidmotor to atmosphere; and, an electrical circuit means operably connectedto effect selective energization of the solenoids of said first andsecond valves, said electrical circuit means being connected to receivea selective energizing signal from a source.
 5. A switch operatorapparatus according to claim 4 wherein there is provided a weatherhousing for enclosing and supporting the switch operator, said weatherhousing being adapted to be mounted on support structure; and, saidsource or pressure fluid being a portable tank containing gas underpressure connected to said valves through a pressure regulator.